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Norditropin PenSet
24 IU
Somatropin (epr) 24 iu
Please read this leaflet. It contains important information about your medicine.
What is in the pack?
Dry powder for injection
The dry powder in the larger vial contains the active ingredient- biosynthetic human growth hormone [somatropin (epr)l 24 iu. Other ingredients are glycine, sodium hydrogen carbonate and mannitol.
Cartridge containing liquid
The cartridge which fits into the pen contains a clear liquid. This is the solvent. The dry powder must be dissolved in this solvent before injecting. The solvent contains a preservative - benzyl alcohol 9 mg/ml in 2 ml Water for Injections.
What is growth hormone
Human growth hormone increases growth, mainly growth of bone. In the body, growth hormone is made by a small gland (pituitary gland) just below the brain. The scientific name for human growth hormone is somatropin.
Norditropin is human growth hormone produced by genetic engineering and is not made from human or animal material. Norditropin- is similar to naturally occurring human growth hormone.
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S, DK-2880, Bagsvaerd, Denmark.
Supplied by Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Novo Nordisk House, Broadfield Park, Brighton Road, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9RT.
Uses
Growth hormone insufficiency
Growth hormone insufficiency means that the child's body cannot make enough growth hormone. Norditropin injections help to replace the natural growth hormone in these children and so speed up growth and height gain.
Turner syndrome
Norditropin injections speed up growth and height gains in girls with Turner syndrome, but it is not yet known whether this will improve their adult height.
Chronic renal (kidney) disease
Norditropin injections speed up growth and height gain in children with kidney disease who have not reached puberty. We do not yet know whether this treatment will improve the adult height in children with this condition.
Read before starting your medicine
Do not use Norditropin if being treated for cancer or a tumour: if pregnant; or if allergic to any of the ingredients in Norditropin.
Regular check ups
It is recommended that children being treated with Norditropin see their child or growth specialist for regular check ups. In patients with kidney disease, it is very important that they receive regular checks of kidney function.
Blood sugar
Growth hormone may raise blood sugar levels- let your doctor know if anyone in your family has diabetes.
Diabetes
Growth hormone may affect diabetic control and insulin doses may need to be altered.
Pregnancy
As it is not known if growth hormone injections are safe during pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs or is suspected stop treatment immediately. |
Breast feeding
Do not breast feed if being treated with Norditropin.
Interactions with other medicines
Cortisone and related medicines may reduce the growth effect of Norditropin in children. Let your doctor know about other medicines that are being taken.
How to take your medicine
How much to use
Your doctor will tell you how much Norditropin to use each day. Never take more than this amount.
How to use
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to inject Norditropin under the skin (subcutaneously) using Nordiject 24. Your cartridge must only be used with Nordiject 24.
Injections should be given in the evening 6-7 times a week. It is best to give each injection in a different place from the last one.
How to prepare your growth hormone for injection
The dry powder in the vial must be mixed with the liquid in the cartridge. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to do this. As a reminder, full instructions are included in the second part of this leaflet.
How to use your Nordiject 24 Injection Device
Remember to wash your hands well with soap and water and/or disinfectant before starting. The Norditropin PenSet 24 cartridge fits into the Nordiject 24 pen device. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use Nordiject 24. As a reminder, full instructions are included in the box with your Nordiject 24.
When to stop using Norditropin
Norditropin has to be used over many years. Do not stop the treatment until your doctor tells you to. Treatment is usually stopped once adult height is reached. In children with kidney disease, treatment should stop at transplantation.
Important information
Taking too much Norditropin
If you take too much Norditropin you may disturb blood sugar levels. First blood sugar levels may fall leading to, e.g. sweating, shakiness, mood changes and/or paleness. Afterwards blood sugar levels may rise too high, leading to, e.g. thirst and frequent need to pass urine.
Too much growth hormone over a long period could result in a variety of effects, e.g. too rapid growth, thickening of skin, disproportionate growth and joint pains.
Forgetting to take your Norditropin
If you forget to take your injection do not increase the dose. Carry on with the same dose and tell your doctor at the next visit.
Side effects
If any of the side effects listed below occur you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also tell your doctor if you believe you might be suffering any other side effect to your treatment.
Skin reactions around the injection site are rare.
Very rarely, swelling of the extremities may occur. This is due to an excess of water in the body.
There have been a few reports of raised pressure within the brain in patients on human growth hormone. This may cause bad or frequent headaches, sight problems, nausea and/or vomiting. If any of these occur - see a doctor without delay.
Other possible problems
Thyroid Hormone levels may drop while using growth hormone. Your doctor will check these from time to time and will let you know whether you need treatment with thyroid hormones.
Development of a limp or pain in the hip or knee may indicate a problem with growth of the thigh bone and you should consult your doctor if this occurs.
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